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Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

MID-CENTURY MODERN STYLE

Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.

ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN

MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW

ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS

VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS

The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.

Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively. 

Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer

Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.

The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by celebrated manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.

As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.

Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.

Generations turn over, and mid-century modern remains arguably the most popular style going. As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.

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Style: Mid-Century Modern
1950s Oak Wood Letter Tray MCM Desk Accessory
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Oak Wood Letter Tray MCM desk accessory The Line Hedges File Illinois Dovetail joinery 2.5 h x 10.25 w x 12.5 d Preowned original condition Re...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Oak

Ceramic Piggy Bank by Ditar Urbach 1950s
Located in Praha, CZ
Colectible ceramic piggy bank for sale made by Ditmar Urbach Porcelain factory (Keramicky zavod Teplice) Original glaze, original condition, Marked on the bottom with the original st...
Category

1950s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic

Seguso Murano Egg Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic egg-shaped paperweight made in mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the 195...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

1980s Gorgeous Swatch Twin Phone "Deco" With The Original Box. Memphis Style
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous Swatch twin phone "Deco" in excellent condition with the original box. It works perfectly. Memphis style. It was an icon for its amazi...
Category

1980s Swiss Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Signed A. Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Bubble Glass, Italy 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic spherical shaped paperweight made mouth-blown Murano crystal glass enriched inside with air bubbles. This rare object was designed in Italy during the 1960s by Archimede S...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Mid Century Modern Horn Pen Stand by Carl Auböck Austria
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This mid-century modern piece by Carl Auböck exemplifies the distinctive artistry of Austrian design. Crafted from natural horn, it serves as a stylish pen stand, adding a touch of o...
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Horn

Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Auböck bussines card holder around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Don Shoemaker Cocobolo Pencil Holder for Señal, Mexico, 1980s. Makers label to the bottom.
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Wood, Cocobolo

Carl Aubock Mid Century Horn Desk Pen Holder, Vienna, Austria, 1960s
Located in Vienna, AT
A decorative and rare desk penholder from the 1960s, designed and executed by Carl Aubock, Vienna. Made of horn, in very good condition. We are offering many other Aubock objects in ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Austrian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Horn

Florence Knoll Walnut Letter Tray
Located in Cambridge, US
USA, ca. 1950s. A scarce and streamlined 2-part letter tray originally designed by Florence Knoll for Knoll in 1948. Features molded plywood construction finished in walnut veneer. C...
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

MCM Octagonal Brass Ashtray
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice MCM octagonal brass ashtray, circa 1950s. The piece is in great vintage condition and measures 7.25"D x 1.25"H. #4209
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Erwin Walter Burger for FONTANA ARTE crystal photo holder
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant photo frame designed by Erwin Walter Burger for Fontana Arte in the 1950s, a refined example of Italian design that combines functionality and beauty. Made entirely of ground...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Crystal

Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Cat Pencil Holder by Walter Bosse around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Decorative Glass "Eiffel Tower", Czechoslovakia, 1980's
Located in Praha, CZ
Unique decorative Eiffel Tower fully made from glass. Made in the 1980's, in Czechoslovakia. Fully made out of glass. In great condition, all original. Cleaned.
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

1970s Modern Elegance Pen Holder Desk Set
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Vintage Modern Elegant Pen Holder Desk Set 5.25 tall x 15.5 w x 8.5 d Original vintage condition. See all images provided.
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Wood, Glass

Aged Brass and Acrylic Waste Basket and Tissue Holder by Charles Hollis Jones
Located in Palm Springs, CA
1970’s Glamorous antique brass and lucite basket and tissue holder by American renowned designer Charles Hollis Jones. In original vintage condition shows minor wear consistent wit...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

American Antique Typewriter Royal, Classic Model
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique typewriter, Royal. Classic model from the first half of the 20th century, it has a robust black metal structure, with a resistant finish and functional design. The keyboard f...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Pen Holder or Bowl in Lucite, Rattan & Chrome Christian Dior Style, Italy 1970s
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury beautiful pen holder or bowl in lucite, rattan and chrome in the style of Christian Dior Home. Made in Italy in the 1970s.
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Pair of Mid-Century Modern Style Leather & Walnut Paper Tray
Located in Brooklyn, NY
A pair of contemporary wood paper trays for desk organizing or saving papers and letters. Black leather exterior, walnut accents, and felt interiors. In excellent vintage condition...
Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Wood

Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Holder for 3 pipes by walter bosse vienna around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Desk Accessories, Letter Holder black Color France 20th Century
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Handsome saddle leather letter holder. Great patina to leather. Good vintage condition. Paris, in the traditions of French big houses like Lancel or Dior.
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

MCM Two Piece Brass and Faux Crocodile Desk Set
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice two piece brass and faux crocodile desk set, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition and includes a long base with a letter holder, a pen holder and a business ...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Seguso Spherical Paperweight in Murano Glass with Gold Dust, Italy 1950s
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic spherical shaped paperweight made mouth-blown Murano glass with gold leaf inside. This incredibly charming paperweight was designed by Archimede Seguso in Italy during the ...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

1950s Fontana Arte Attributed Mid-Century Modern Glass Italian Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
An Italian stylish desk set attributed to Fontana Arte, very heavy verde nilo glass, has been made in 1950s, there is a small chip in one black pen holder. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Cut Glass

Leather and Reptile Mexican Brass Trimmed Folding Blotter with Pockets
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A sophisticated and classic blotter made in Mexico. The piece is trimmed in solid brass with a leather framework and reptile / snake facing / folding flaps with pockets on the oppos...
Category

20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn brass around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn brass around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Gordon Martz Marshall Studios Ceramic Bookends ca' 1950's
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
A pair of stylish, 1950s bookends by Gordon Martz. Circular pattern,beige ceramic tiles, inset into walnut frames, with brass extensions. Heavy and well made.
Category

1950s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Ceramic, Walnut

Functional unused phone in top condition, Tesla T65H 1969, Czech Republic
Located in Praha, CZ
- Never used, in original box top condition !!!! - Fully functional. - Tesla manufacturer.
Category

1960s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Puiforcat 20th Century Desk Accessories Letter Holder Silver and Wood
Located in Neuilly-en- sancerre, FR
Puiforcat Elegant letter holder in silver and wood by Puiforcat 20th century desk accessories, circa 1970 Original good conditions Signed under the base Measures: Heig...
Category

20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Silver

Wine Glass Holder, circa 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Wine glass holder, circa 1950s Original condition Glasses are included.
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Shoehorn wood and brass around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Shoehorn wood and brass around 1950s Brass and wood
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Cellar Quilted Leather Desk Set. French work in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This desk set is composed of a beautiful table lamp, a pen holder and a briefcase. These are made of cellar quilted leather, brass and glass. This is a French work in the style of fa...
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Rohac notes paper holder ( for business Cards ) around 1950s
Located in Wien, AT
Rohac notes paper holder ( for business Cards ) around 1950s Original condition
Category

1950s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Brass

Manual Typewriter, HCESAR Keyboard from MESSA
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Manual typewriter, HCESAR keyboard from MESSA. With a robust design, beige structure and chrome-plated metal details. The ‘HCESAR’ keyboard features raised, dark-coloured round keys,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Manual Typewriter AZERTY keyboard, by OLYMPIA, Regina de Luxe
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Manual typewriter, AZERTY keyboard, by OLYMPIA, Regina de Luxe. With a beige structure, chrome-plated metal details and black keys. The top roller, where the paper is inserted, allow...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

1960s Valet Clothes Brush Noris Imports West Germany
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1960s Valet Duster Equestrian Brush MCM Noris West Germany 1.63 h x 10.25 w x 12.75 long maker stamped Noris Imports West Germany Genuine Hide Original vintage condition Refer to im...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Leather Desk Set by Le Tanneur, France 1970s
Located in ROUEN, FR
French leather desk set manufactured by Le Tanneur. France, circa 1970’s. All pieces are saddle leather with black contrast stitching, typical of Le Tanneur. Beautifully worn in l...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather

Rare Foitzik Trier Unca 120 Roll Film Bellow Camera Made in Germany 1952
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Rare Foitzik Trier Unca 120 Roll Film Bellow Camera Made in Germany 1952 Model Unca (6x6) The Foitzik-Kamerawerke were founded in 1945 in Lübeck, northern Germany, by machine cons...
Category

Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Vintage Italian Desk or Coffee Table Set in Plexiglass and Brass
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Rational and linear desk...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Large MCM Advertising Desk Pad on Wood Truck "Mitchell"
Located in San Diego, CA
A super cool and hard to find large MCM advertising desk pad on wood truck "Mitchell", circa 1970s. This piece is in good vintage condition and measures 8.75"W x 3"D x 4.75"H. These...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Wood, Paper

Cellier Stitched Leather Pen Holder in the Style of Jacques Adnet
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice pen holder is made of cellier stitched leather and glass. This is a French work in the Style of Jacques Adnet. Circa 1950
Category

1950s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather, Glass

Italian Carrara Marble Desk Organiser 1970s
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
A sculptural and multifunctional desk accessory, crafted in Italy during the 1970s from solid white Carrara marble with contrasting travertine detail. This compact yet striking piece...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Carrara Marble

Vintage 1965 Consul 232 Portable Typewriter in two-tone slate/sky grey in Case
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage 1965 Consul 232 Portable Typewriter in two-tone slate/sky grey in Case. Circa 1960s. Measurements: 4" H x 14.5" W x 14.5" D.
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Plastic

Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali Music Metal Bookends
Located in Downingtown, PA
Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali music metal bookends, Circa 1960. The Piero Fornasetti L-shaped bookends are decorated with a red-ground...
Category

1960s Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

1950s Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern Planner Group Desk Organizer
Located in Saint Paul, MN
Paul McCobb Planner Group desk organizer by Winchendon Furniture. Made in the 1950s.
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Iron

Hand-Blown Glass Rose Sculpture, Czechoslovakia, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
A beautifully hand-blown art glass rose, crafted in Czechoslovakia during the 1970s. This delicate floral sculpture features a long, translucent green stem ...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

Carl Auböck Brush, Austria 1960s
Located in Berlin, DE
Carl Auböck Letter brush made of horn and horsehair, Austria 1960s.
Category

1960s Austrian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Horn

MCM Two Piece Lucite Desk Set
Located in San Diego, CA
A very nice two piece lucite desk set, circa 1970s. The set is in good vintage condition and includes a loose leaf calendar holder and a scratch paper box. The calendar measures 8.2...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Lucite

MOMA Robert P. Gottlieb Mid-Century Modern Designed Lucite Tape Dispenser 63'-73
By Two's Company, Robert P. Gottlieb
Located in St. Louis, MO
Vintage Robert P. Gottlieb Lucite / Steel Tape Dispenser in production from 1963-73. Two's Company, Mount Vernon, NY.. In the permanent Collection of MOMA New York. In fine working c...
Category

1960s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Steel

Set of Leather Lamp, Basket, Paper Holder, Diary and Pen Holder, circa 1970
Located in Marcq-en-Barœul, Hauts-de-France
This nice desk set is constituted of a lamp, a basket, a paper holder, a diary and a pen holder. The all set is made of leather and brass. This is a French work, circa 1970.
Category

1970s French Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Brass

Green Glass Pen Holder by Fontana Arte, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Green glass base with the black Bakelite and bras pen holder.
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Glass

Vintage Silver Plate Engraved and Monogrammed Notepad Holder - England
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A petite silver plate monogrammed desk pad and pen holder. This piece features a flip-up top portion that reveals an area for holding a small notepad with faux leather padding. The t...
Category

20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Silver Plate

Midcentury Typewriter/Consul, Type 2224, 1980s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Metal, Steel, Plastic, Re-polished With aged patina Original condition.
Category

1980s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Steel

Rainbow Midcentury Teak Paper Tray
By House of Rainbow Wood Products Inc.
Located in Countryside, IL
Rainbow midcentury Teak Paper Tray This paper tray measures: 9.75 wide x 15.25 deep x 5.75 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what...
Category

1970s Swedish Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Teak

Stow Davis Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Trash Can
Located in Countryside, IL
Stow Davis Mid Century Walnut and Aluminum Trash Can This trash receptacle measures: 9 wide x 16 deep x 12 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what we call restored v...
Category

1970s American Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Aluminum

Midcentury Typewriter/Consul, Type 222.2, 1970s
Located in Praha, CZ
Made in Czechoslovakia Made of Metal, Steel, Plastic, Fabric The packaging of the machine has surface defects that are associated with the age of use Re-polished The packaging o...
Category

1970s Czech Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal, Steel

Gucci Brown Leather Brass Bucket Desk Stationary Set Pen Pad Write, circa 1960s
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this lovely suite of original circa 1960s Vintage Gucci brown leather desk accessories A wonderful suite. This set includes the original pad, writing slope with removable secondary writing board and lastly the pen pot...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Leather, Suede

A Pair of Mid Century Quirky Bookends on an Aeronautical Theme
Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight
A Pair of Mid Century Quirky Bookends on an Aeronautical Theme Quirky and Fun an attractive set, the ends are finished in chrome and have a model biplane with an articulated propel...
Category

Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Chrome

Mid-century Modern desk sets for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Mid-Century Modern desk sets for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desk sets created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, plastic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Mid-Century Modern desk sets made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and France pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desk sets, popular names associated with this style include Werkstätte Carl Auböck, Olivetti, Tesla, and Jacques Adnet. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desk sets differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $38 and tops out at $7,600 while the average work can sell for $527.

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